FAQs

The Virtual Triathlon Challenge is an exciting virtual triathlon challenge for Breakthrough T1D (the type 1 diabetes charity). There are three elements to the challenge – a run, a cycle and a swim. And with those choice of completing the full or half challenge, there’s a Virtual Triathlon Challenge  to suit everyone.

You will have three months, from 1 February until 30 April, to complete the challenge. You can do this in one go, or bit by bit, it’s completely up to you!

There is no registration fee to take part in The Virtual Triathlon Challenge.

Everyone who registers for The Virtual Triathlon Challenge will receive a free Breakthrough T1D t-shirt.

We offer integration with fitness apps, including Strava and Garmin, so these will automatically add any kilometres you complete towards your challenge goals.

Watch our video below to see how to do this:

When uploading your fitness activity from an app, please make sure that you have recorded this as a run, swim or cycle to ensure it is added to your profile correctly.

No fitness app? No problem! Your fitness activity can also be added manually to your profile.

If you are doing this manually, you can also download our trackers on our resources page to keep track of your progress.

Of course! You can log your miles manually, just watch the video below to find out how to do this.

While we're keen for as many people to complete The Virtual Triathlon Challenge as posible, we understand that life can sometimes get in the way! If you are signed up for the full distance challenge and feel you would prefer to switch to the half, just email us at trifortype1@jdrf.org.uk.

We ask everyone who takes part in Virtual Triathlon Challenge to try and raise at least £150. However, this is more of a target than a set sponsorship pledge, so please don’t worry if you’re not quite able to reach this. We are so grateful for anything you can raise, and it all makes a huge difference to Breakthrough T1D's pioneering type 1 research.

Yes, we will be sending out lots of goodies to mark your fundraising achievements! Raise £25 to receive a set of shoelaces; £50 to receive your exclusive Virtual Triathlon Challenge medal; £100 to receive a Breakthrough T1D water bottle and £500 to receive a specially designed hoodie.

From the date that the challenge starts, we will be sending out the shoelaces at regular intervals, so please don’t worry if you don’t receive these as soon as you hit your £25 fundraising milestone. They will be on their way to you shortly.  

Virtual Triathlon Challenge medals and Breakthrough T1D water bottles will be sent together from early April. 

Hoodies will be sent after the challenge has completed.

Once you have completed your registration, you will be automatically set up with a fundraising page for your challenge. You can then customise your page with your own profile picture and story via your profile dashboard.

On your fundraising page you will see various social media icons, which will allow you to share your page and ask for support from friends and family.

You can also access email signature templates via our resources page.

Absolutely. You can download a paper sponsorship form from our resources page.

Any money raised will help to fund Breakthrough T1D's research into type 1 diabetes to find better treatments and, ultimately, a cure for the condition. You will also be helping to improve the lives of those affected by type 1. Every £ raised makes a huge difference and we couldn’t do what we do without our generous supporters.

After the challenge has finished, you will have until the end of May 2024 to collect in any last sponsorship. If you think you may need longer, please just email us at trifortype1@jdrf.org.uk to let us know.

To meet other runners, cyclists and swimmers, join our dedicated Virtual Triathlon Challenge Facebook group where you can share your progress, tell your story and wow everyone with your fundraising exploits.

Join the Virtual Triathlon Challenge Facebook group

You can also find us on Strava where we have groups for running and cycling. Join our community using the links below.

• Join Breakthrough T1D running club
• Join Breakthrough T1D cycling club

We have a dedicated email address for all your Virtual Triathlon Challenge queries. If we haven’t answered your question in our FAQs then please get in touch at trifortype1@jdrf.org.uk.